48 שועפאט /// מכון ירושלים למחקרי מדיניות SHUAFAT ABSTRACT Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research | project No. 518 The Arab Neighborhoods in East Jerusalem Infrastructure Research and Evaluation Shuafat Ahmad Asmar Research Team Yitzhak Reiter, Israel Kimhi, Ya'ara Issar, The Arab Neighborhoods in East Jerusalem Ahmad Asmar, Murad Natsheh, Galit Raz-Dror, Tehila Bigman Infrastructure Research and Evaluation Photographs Murad Natshe, Israel Kimhi Maps Dafna Shemer, Murad Natshe Additional Publications in this Series: 1. Sur Baher and Umm Tuba SHUAFAT 2. Beit Hanina 3. A-Tur AHMAD ASMAR 4. Wadi Al-Joz 5. Isawiya 6. Jabel Al-Mukaber 7. Abu Tor 8. Kufr Aqab 9. Shuafat Refugee Camp © Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, 2019 Hey Elyachar House 20 Radak Street, Jerusalem 9218604 | jerusaleminstitute.org.il [email protected] III JERUSALEM INSTITUTE FOR POLICY RESEARCH \\\ SHUAFAT JERUSALEM INSTITUTE FOR POLICY RESEARCH \\\ SHUAFAT IV SHUAFAT ABSTRACT This abstract is part of a series of research papers prepared by the A Description of Planning and Construction Parts of the neighborhood are Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research about the Arab neighborhoods the Main Problems covered by the Master Plan or by current city building plans but not in East Jerusalem. The purpose of this study is to sketch a social profile, That Characterize all. Zoning plans based on updated ownership following a process of as well as a profile of the infrastructure in the neighborhoods in a parcellation are in the preliminary stages, pending approval, but the variety of areas, so as to promote active, knowledge-based steps, the Shuafat percentage of building rights that has been approved is relatively low. toward the improvement of the quality of life of the Arab residents Neighborhood The neighborhood lacks public services especially open, green, public of East Jerusalem. Beyond describing the current situation, this study spaces, sports fields, and children's playgrounds. attempts to identify mechanisms of growth and development that will help to advance the socio-economic position of the neighborhoods We advise to promote the preparation of detailed plans that and villages. We believe that research that integrates practice with will allow the issuing of building permits and the allocation of policy recommendations is the basis for the correction of social and land for public use. political injustices, in an attempt to create a high-functioning city that is concerned with the wellbeing of all its inhabitants. The research Where land registration is lacking, and land ownership is methods include field work, in-depth interviews, consultation of data unclear, a rapid land settlement must be promoted in the bases belonging to the local authorities and research institutes, and interest of proper planning and construction. round table discussions in which participants include representatives from the neighborhoods, the municipality, and civil society. Infrastructures There are no severe infrastructure problems in the neighborhood, however at the same time: A relatively large number of internal streets lack asphalt surfaces that conform to required standards; there is a lack of curbstones and of sidewalks; In the older sections of the neighborhood the street lighting is insufficient; Some The Shuafat neighborhood is located in North Jerusalem, on of the internal roads lack a decent drainage system and there are the hilly ridge between Givat Hamivtar and Givat Shapira (The floods in winter. French Hill) in the south and Beit Hanina in the north. The area of the neighborhood is 1,400 dunam (1 dunam = 1,000 The recommendation is to develop the internal roads in square meters) and about 22,000 people live there, most of accordance with a systematic multi-year plan whose budget whom do not belong to the six major clans that established the should be known in advance. neighborhood. Public Parks and Playgrounds The first public park in the eastern Shuafat is considered one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in part of the neighborhood was opened recently, but since it cannot meet East Jerusalem. The demand to live there is high among Arab residents the recreational needs of all the residents, another park is planned to of East Jerusalem and the neighborhood is undergoing intensive be opened in the western part of the neighborhood. However, these construction. The ancient rural core of the neighborhood is in its two parks will not solve the problem of the overwhelming lack of small western part, where two mosques are located. The neighborhood is neighborhood green spaces and playgrounds in Shuafat. bisected by the Shuafat-Beit Hanina-Ramallah Road and the tracks for the Light Rail Train. The recommendation is to identify available land in different parts of the neighborhood and to designate them for public parks. V JERUSALEM INSTITUTE FOR POLICY RESEARCH \\\ SHUAFAT JERUSALEM INSTITUTE FOR POLICY RESEARCH \\\ SHUAFAT VI Education System Currently, the number of schools and classrooms Growth Engines: Commercial, Trade, and Industrial Services meet the needs of the neighborhood. However, some of the buildings Due to its strategic location in the north of the city, and due to its size, used as educational institutions are rented in residential buildings and the neighborhood has the potential to develop commercial, tourism, are not suitable for their purposes, and this must be addressed. Many and business sectors, especially along the major transportation of the students who study in Shuafat come from other neighborhoods arteries, on condition that parking is ensured as well as easy access. in East Jerusalem, mainly from the Shuafat Refugee Camp and the Today, most of the commerce in the neighborhood is concentrated nearby Ras Hamis and Dahiyat Al-Salam areas. As a result, there is along the Shuafat Road and at the new commercial center that was a high demand for places in the neighborhood schools, which has led built in recent years. to overcrowded classrooms that exceed the recommended number of students. The Municipality is planning to build one hundred new he recommendation is to open a bank branch to provide classrooms in a gradual process, but the Community Administration services to the residents and merchants of Shuafat and Beit believes that the planned process is inadequate to meet the needs. Hanina. A further recommendation is to develop an industrial area near the light rail power station. The continuing accelerated growth of the population in the neighborhood will necessitate the establishment of additional schools and kindergartens in the coming years. Leadership in the Neighborhood The Community Administration in Shuafat, which is directed by Husam Watad, functions well and provides comprehensive social services to the residents. A Village Council composed of clan leaders is also active in the neighborhood, but it does not represent all the residents. The Village Council represents only the six original families that established the neighborhood and today comprise only a quarter of its residents. The recommendation is to promote young leadership which could represent the interests of the residents vis a vis the authorities. Transportation and Parking The Light Rail Train runs through the heart of the neighborhood, providing quality service and many advantages for the residents. It connects them quickly to the center of town and to many other areas. On the other hand, it has a negative effect on the businesses situated along the tracks on Shuafat Road, since there are no longer any parking spots for private vehicles nearby the shops and businesses, as there were previously. The recommendation is to build parking lots by the side of the main road and also to create designated, clearly-marked parking spots along the road. It is also proposed that the Shuafat bypass road be paved so that public transportation will be able to operate inside the neighborhood..